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Sunday, June 8, 2014

Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro Sr. Debuts Tomorrow on HBO (Review)

Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr. premiers Monday June 9, 2014 at 9PM on HBO. This 40-minute feature from HBO Documentary Films shares
an introduction to the art and career of Robert De Niro, Sr., and features many
personal insights from the late artist’s son, the actor Robert De Niro.

De Niro, Sr. was a prominent painter in New York City in his
early adult years, but fell out of the spotlight as trends in art shifted away
from his style. The artist seems to have struggled with depression due to
difficulties in his life – his art career did not maintain the high level of
esteem for which he hoped, and his marriage ended when he realized his own
homosexual feelings. The artist separated from his wife when his son was two
years old.

Although the film is about the art of the senior De Niro,
the participation of his son is particularly interesting.

Robert De Niro
participated in this film with the goal of helping his father regain the
recognition he felt he deserved as an artist. Robert De Niro also has
maintained his father’s studio so that his own children can appreciate their
grandfather’s work. De Niro noted that as “a kid, I wasn’t interested in going
to [my father’s art] shows,” but that now he feels it is “important for
children to appreciate the things your parents [do] of they want to share it
with you.”

De Niro often helped his father throughout his father’s
struggles (in one letter, his father calls him an “angel,”) but also expresses
regret that he did not help his father even more. De Niro may be responding to
his regrets by immersing himself in his father’s artwork.

Remembering the Artist: Robert De Niro, Sr. is an
interesting film for fans of the actor and for lovers of art. It also may
connect with people who for one reason or another, have not had quite the
relationship they had hoped for with their parents. It probably will connect
with adults rather than kids. The film first runs June 9, 2014 at 9 PM on
HBO.

Questions for After
the Film

De Niro and each of his parents were very creative. What
traits and talents run in your family? In the first family of the child you
adopted?

It’s possible that De Niro’s investment in his father’s
artwork is fueled by sadness at the loss of his father. If this is the case, it
seems like a healthy way to process grief. What losses do you mourn in your own
life?

What losses might your child be mourning? In what healthy, creative ways
can you honor what was lost?